Role of the Registered Nurse in Disease Management

Disease Management and Nursing

Join the disease management teamDisease management is a holistic approach towards provision of health care services to an individual or population that has symptoms of certain illnesses. It encompasses the combination and coordination of various systems towards the provision of an all-encompassing approach in terms of delivery of health care services.
The role of RN in disease management cannot be overlooked as they play an important part in the success stories of the program, Disease management involves various aspects such as the economical, clinical and psychosocial aspects deemed necessary in the provision of health care. This approach aims to have a positive effect and result in the adjustment of health-related behavior patterns in patients,health care providers and consumers bringing about the reduction of severe cases or incidences of certain diseases or disorders. Adjustments on any health behavior pattern undergo a verification and support process that seeks continuous progress. This process offers up to the minute feedback and works on the basis of particular health conditions in addition to a string of apt population procedures and outcomes.
Besides working towards attaining a favorable clinical outcome, disease management programs also focus on utilizing the most cost-efficient outcome suitable for a particular group of patients. A disease management program consists of three major components: a) Proper understanding relating to the natural and the estimated financial history as regards medical condition; b) The health care provision system; and c) a continuous progressive process that is able to measure and analyze outcomes.It is important to note that this medical approach makes the most use of the principle of self-care.

Principles of Disease Management

The basic principle of disease management focuses on empowering patients so that they can be able to provide almost 95 percent self care when suffering from chronic illnesses. In this scenario, the patient is tasked with the responsibility of taking care of their health by adopting good eating habits and a healthy lifestyle. Though disease management campaigns for self care, it is well-aware that lack of adequate knowledge and skill set on the part of patients more so when going about health practices and disease prevention may lead to poor quality health care.
The program takes into account three assumptions: a) a knowledgeable patient is better placed to handle their condition as opposed to one who lacks the knowledge; b) The patient is the main beneficiary of the health care provided to them thus they have a right to demand for quality management of their disease; c) patients play a significant role in their final clinical outcome therefore there is need for them to gain knowledge for them to manage their own condition. In this regard, the program utilizes education tools to educate patients with relevant knowledge.
These education tools including treatment guidelines as well as educational resources play a significant role in the overall accomplishment of any program. Additionally, not only do patient education components educate patients on their responsibility but also emphasize on the involvement of other family members in actively participating in the patient’s self care management. Registered nurses bring a lot to the table as they act as disease management supervisors. They work mainly in hospitals, insurance companies, commercial health management corporations, outpatient facilities and doctors’ clinics. In order for one to be a registered nurse, they must complete a nursing program where they learn various aspects such as behavioral modification techniques, disease prevention and health promotion. Armed with a solid educational background, the nurses seamlessly transition into this medical field. The premier responsibility of nurses in relation to disease management is to work as agents of change.
In present times, much focus is placed on the delivery of health care services to individual patients. On the contrary, the focus should change to tackling chronic ailments using a population-based method. The soaring costs of health care can be countered by emphasizing on strict observance of clinical practice regulations, ensuring that the patient population receives the undergoes diagnostic tests in the right time and making sure the patient population takes the prescribed medicine to the letter. Additionally, nurses enlighten both patients and other health workers on gaining knowledge of behavioral adjustment techniques as well as their use. Furthermore, the nurses encourage the patients to get actively involved in providing self care. Also, the nurses act as patient advocates, fighting for their rights as well as reminding patients about their responsibilities.
If you are interested in this field, please review our program in Case Management.